Tag: workshop

1763

Published on by Dan BalkLeave a comment
Molten silver photo of metal soft
Every piece is made from raw materials from alloys that I create in my studio

1763 is the temperature that silver melts. Molten silver can be poured into moulds and formed into castings or ingots. At 1763 degrees silver changes from a solid to liquid, from something relatively hard to something that can flow.

1763 is also a somewhat relevant year. As his silversmithing sales lagged, Paul Revere turned to engraving, drawing cartoons, and even dentistry (one can still hear him on his fateful ride upon seeing the British troops movements screaming, “the fillings are coming”). In 1763 alarmed by the actions of the British empire, Paul began to organize other artisan and craftsmen to protest parliament and the crown. Later, he would further venture into politics and engrave the famous depiction of the Boston Massacre.

Artists and art have always had a role on influencing political movements. Art, by its very nature, challenges the status quo by allowing free subjective expression. To the extent that this is true, all art is therefore potentially political in nature.

Preserving cultural heritage

Published on by Dan BalkLeave a comment
Dan Balk teaches private jewelry classes in his professional jewelry studio in Tampa Florida.
Teaching private jewelry classes from my studio in Tampa Florida.

At my bench, one one one, students can learn the basics of jewellery fabrication including piercing, soldering, and stone setting. These traditional techniques and art they create are thousands of years old, culturally significant and in todays world of computer printed and machine produced jewellry, are in jeopardy of being lost. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of artists drawn to the medium, increasing the desire to learn silversmithing and goldsmithing techniques. Artistically adventurous people come from all over the country to spend time at my bench and learn a foundation in this vast medium. Students are often surprised at the amount of time, labor and care that goes into the fabrication of a single piece of jewelry. I love sharing what I do with people, not only because I am passionate about the art I create, but also because we have an obligation as artisans to share our accumulated knowledge with successive generations of craftspeople.

My current identity

Published on by Dan BalkLeave a comment
Dan Balk designer goldsmith working at his jewelers bench
Dan Balk working in his studio at his jewelers bench.

I am a goldsmith, designer, artist, teacher, and father. I design and fabricate every piece of jewelry from raw materials in my studio in Tampa, Florida. Each piece is one of a kind, designed by me. I create my own sterling silver, 18K, and 14K alloys that I fashion, mill, forge, fuse, and braze into miniature sculptures for personal adornment. I select and set each stone, often performing my own lapidary work on select stones. I have complete contact and artistic connection with each piece of fine art jewelry from concept to collection.

Couples Ring Making Class 50% Off Holiday Savings

Published on by Dan BalkLeave a comment
Dan Balk Jewelry Studio Couples Class Holiday Discount 2018
Couples Private Jewelry Class 50% Off, Hand make silver rings

I am offering a holiday special for the Couples Jewelry Making Class. If you book your private class before December 31st, 2018, I will give you a 50% discount (A savings of $225.) The regular price is $450. With the holiday special, the price for the class is $225. The offer expires 12/31/18. Supplies are included.

I am an artist and designer goldsmith. I am inviting couples to hand make rings in sterling silver. Participants discover new abilities to design and create jewelry under the guidance of a professional jeweler.

This course is a great opportunity for partners to explore each others creative and artistic side as each makes a piece of jewelry for each other. This course concludes with complementary offerings of champagne or wine, as well as fruit and chocolate.

I have opened my jewelry studio for basic silversmithing classes 7 days a week by appointment, Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to Noon or 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. No experience is needed. Reservations are required. Each class is approximately 3-4 hours long.

Students learn about jewelry in my fully equipped studio. Each class is private, enabling each participant to learn skills and techniques. Students will go home with their finished rings.

For more information call Nataly Balk at (813) 728-4325 or visit https://danbalkjewelry.com/jewelry-classes/couples-jewelry-class/